Method and apparatus for surface processing of printed wiring board

ABSTRACT

A printed wiring board having a conductor pattern on which a pre-flux film of a stabilized quality is to be formed using a water-soluble pre-flux liquid. To this end, such an apparatus is used which includes an etching unit  12  for etching lands  5   b,    6   b  formed on the printed wiring board  1,  a rinsing unit  13  for rinsing the printed wiring board  1,  a bubble removing  14  for removing air bubbles  58  attached to the printed wiring board  1  on immersing the printed wiring board  1  in a water-soluble pre-flux liquid  9   a  in a processing vessel  56,  a pre-flux forming unit  15  for forming a pre-flux film  9  on the lands  5   b,    6   b  of the printed wiring board  1  in the pre-flux liquid  9   a  using an in-liquid spraying unit  61,  a liquid removing unit  16  for removing the pre-flux liquid  9   a  from the printed wiring board  1  transported from the processing vessel  56  and a rinsing unit  17  for rinsing the printed wiring board  1.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a method and apparatus for a printed wiring board for forming a protective water-soluble pre-flux film on the surface of a conductor pattern facing outwards.

2. Description of Related Art

In a printed wiring board, a pre-flux film is routinely formed on its conductor pattern following the formation of the conductor pattern and prior to ultimate inspection such as substrate appearance inspection. For forming this pre-flux film, a solvent type pre-flux or a water-soluble pre-flux is used.

Meanwhile, since the solvent type pre-flux, which enables quality stability for the pre-flux film due to its high adhesion to a conductor pattern to assure stabilized film forming and also due to its superior solder wettability, is prepared using a large quantity of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs), the tendency is to use the solvent type pre-flux only in a limited quantity in view of environmental protection.

On the other hand, in a water-soluble pre-flux, not employing the VOCs, sufficient quality stability cannot be realized as compared to the solvent type pre-flux. For example, the water-soluble pre-flux is inferior to the solvent type pre-flux in adhesion to the conductor pattern, such that stable pre-flux films cannot be formed. In addition, the water-soluble pre-flux liquid is inferior in solder wettability.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for surface treatment of a printed wiring board capable of forming a pre-flux film of stable quality on a conductor pattern using a water-soluble pre-flux.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a surface-processing apparatus for a printed wiring board including means for etching the surface of a conductor pattern formed on at least one surface of a printed wiring board, first rinsing means for rinsing the surface of the printed wiring board the conductor pattern of which has been etched by the etching means, air bubble removing means for removing air bubbles affixed to the surface of the printed wiring board by immersing the printed wiring board rinsed by the first rinsing means in a water-soluble pre-flux liquid in a processing vessel, pre-flux forming means for forming a pre-flux film on the conductor pattern on the printed wiring board in the pre-flux liquid, freed of air bubbles by the air bubble removing means, using an in-liquid spray provided in the pre-flux liquid in the processing vessel, liquid removing means for removing the pre-flux liquid from the surface of the printed wiring board carrying the pre-flux film and second rinsing means for rinsing the surface of the printed wiring board from the surface of which the pre-flux liquid has been removed by the liquid removing means.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a surface-processing method for a printed wiring board including the steps of etching the surface of a conductor pattern formed on at least one surface of a printed wiring board, rinsing the surface of the printed wiring board the conductor pattern of which has been etched by the etching step, removing air bubbles affixed to the surface of the printed wiring board by immersing the printed wiring board rinsed by the first rinsing step in a water-soluble pre-flux liquid in a processing vessel, forming a pre-flux film on the conductor pattern on the printed wiring board in the pre-flux liquid, freed of air bubbles, using an in-liquid spray provided in the pre-flux liquid in the processing vessel, removing the pre-flux liquid from the surface of the printed wiring board carrying the pre-flux film and transferred from the processing vessel, and rinsing the surface of the printed wiring board from the surface of which the pre-flux liquid has been removed by the liquid removing step.

According to the present invention, the conductor patterns on the printed wiring board are etched to remove surface oxides to provide for a planar surface. The liquid etchant then is rinsed off to form a pre-flux film. So, the pre-flux film may be improved in adhesion, while the pre-flux film is not affected by the surface oxides on the conductor patterns and hence may be a smooth surface. The pre-flux film is formed using an in-liquid spraying unit, so that it may be of uniform film thickness, while solder wettability is also improved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a printed wiring board.

FIGS. 2A to 2D illustrate the structure of a surface processing apparatus for the printed wiring board shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a lower saucer provided below the bubble removing roll.

FIG. 4 illustrates a step for forming a pre-flux film on a land of the printed wiring board.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing essential parts of the printed wiring board showing the state in which crests and recesses are formed by oxidation of a land surface.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a printed wiring board the land surface of which has been flattened out as a result of soft-etching and oxidation of the land surface.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of formation of a pre-flux film on the land surface.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the drawings, a method and apparatus for surface-processing a printed wiring board for forming a pre-flux film on a land of each of the upper and lower surfaces of the printed wiring board carrying plural conductor patterns according to the present invention will be explained in detail.

Before proceeding to the description of the surface-processing method and apparatus, a printed wiring board used therein is explained. Referring to FIG. 1, the printed wiring board 1 includes inner layer substrates 2, 3. The inner layer substrate 2 includes a conductor pattern 2 a, as a second layer, on its one surface, and a conductor pattern 2 b, as a third layer, on its opposite surface. The inner layer substrate 3 includes a conductor pattern 3 a, as a fourth layer, on its one surface, and a conductor pattern 3 b, as a fifth layer, on its opposite surface. The inner layer substrates 2, 3 are pressed together, with the conductor pattern 2 b as the third layer facing the conductor pattern 3 a as the fourth layer, with the interposition of a pre-preg 4, comprised of glass fibers impregnated with an epoxy resin.

On the inner layer substrate 2 is formed a conductor pattern 5 a, as a first layer, with the interposition of an outer layer substrate 5 formed of a pre-preg. On the inner layer substrate 3 is formed a conductor pattern 6 a, as a first layer, with the interposition of an outer layer substrate 6 formed of a pre-preg. The outer layer substrate 5, inner layer substrate 2, pre-preg 4, inner layer substrate 3 and the outer layer substrate 6 are layered in this order to form the printed wiring board 1, through which a via-hole 7 is bored, such as with a drill. On the inner wall surface of this via-hole 7, there is formed a plating layer 7 a, such as with an electrolytic copper plating method or an electroless copper plating method, to provide for electrical connection between the first layer of the conductor pattern 5 a and the second layer of the conductor pattern 2 a, by way of an example. On the outer layer substrates 5, 6, there are formed solder resists 8, 8, in such a manner that lands 5 b, 6 b, as part of the conductor patterns 5 a, 6 a will face outwards. These lands 5 b, 6 b are used for mounting electronic components thereon. There are formed protective pre-flux films 9, mainly composed of an imidazole compound, on the lands 5 b, 6 b.

For preparing the printed wiring board 1, the conductor patterns 2 a, 2 b are formed on both sides of the inner layer substrate 2, whilst the conductor patterns 3 a, 3 b are formed on both sides of the inner layer substrate 3. The outer layer substrate 5, having a copper foil bonded to its one surface, the inner layer substrate 2 carrying the conductor patterns 2 a, 2 b, the prepreg 4, the inner layer substrate 3, carrying the conductor patterns 3 a, 3 b, and the outer layer substrate 6, having a copper foil bonded to its one surface, are hot-pressed together in vacuum to a unified structure. The via-hole 7 then is bored and the plating layer 7 a is formed on the inner wall surface of the via-hole 7, after which conductor patterns 5 a, 6 a are formed on the outer layer substrates 5 and 6. The solder resists 8, 8 then are applied to the printed wiring board 1 so that the lands 5 b, 6 b will face outwards. The pre-flux film 9 then is formed on each of the lands 5 b, 6 b by e.g., a surface-processing device.

The surface-processing device 10 for forming the pre-flux film 9 surface-processes the lands 5 b, 6 b of the printed wiring board 1 prior to the formation of the pre-flux films 9, that is the printed wiring board 1 carrying the solder resists 8, 8 on the surfaces of the outer layer substrates 5, 6. Referring to FIG. 2, the surface-processing device 10 includes a rinsing unit 11 for rinsing the printed wiring board 1, coated with the solder resists 8, 8, and an etching unit 12 for etching the lands 5 b, 6 b, as part of the conductor patterns 5 a, 6 a, facing outwards from the solder resists 8, 8. The surface-processing device 10 also includes a rinsing unit 13 for rinsing the printed wiring board 1, having its lands 5 b, 6 b etched by the etching unit 12, and a bubble removing unit 14 for removing the bubbles affixed to the surface of the printed wiring board 1 when the printed wiring board 1 rinsed by the rinsing unit 13 is dipped in a water-soluble pre-flux liquid. The surface-processing device 10 also includes a pre-flux forming unit 15 for forming pre-flux films 9 on the lands 5 b, 6 b facing outwards from the solder resists 8, 8 of the printed wiring board 1, freed of bubbles by the bubble removing unit 14, and a liquid removing unit 16 for removing the pre-flux liquid from the surface of the printed wiring board 1 on which the pre-flux film 9 has been formed. The surface-processing 10 also includes a rinsing unit 17 for rinsing the printed wiring board 1 carrying the pre-flux films 9 and freed of the liquid by the liquid removing unit 16, a drying unit 18 for drying the printed wiring board 1 washed by the rinsing unit 17, and a cooling unit 19 for cooling the printed wiring board 1 dried by the drying unit 18. The printed wiring board 1 is continuously transported at a speed of 3 m/min in the horizontally laid state, by a transporting unit, in the direction indicated by arrow A in FIG. 2, through the rinsing unit 11, etching unit 12, rinsing unit 13, bubble removing unit 14, pre-flux forming unit 15, liquid removing unit 16, rinsing unit 17, drying unit 18 and the cooling unit 19, in this order. The rinsing unit 11, to which is transported the printed wiring board 1, coated with the solder resists 8, 8 and inspected as to the electrical conducting state, includes a transporting unit 21 for transporting the printed wiring board 1 in the horizontal position, and a spraying unit 22 for spraying the rinsing water, as shown in FIG. 2A. The transporting unit 21 is made up of plural rolls arranged on upper and lower sides of the printed wiring board 1 for holding the printed wiring board 1 transported in the horizontal position. The transporting unit 21 transports the printed wiring board 1 in the direction indicated by arrow A in FIG. 2A at e.g., a transporting speed of 3 m/min for positively rinsing the printed wiring board 1. As for the spraying unit 22, two spraying units are provided on the upper surface side and on the lower surface side of the printed wiring board 1 transported to the transporting unit 21, since the pre-flux films 9 need to be formed on both sides of the printed wiring board 1 and hence the both sides of the printed wiring board 1 need to be rinsed. These spraying units 22 spray well water at ambient temperature under a condition of the spraying pressure not less than 0.1 MPa. Thus, the rinsing unit 11 frees the surface of the printed wiring board 1 of impurities, such as dust and dirt, affixed to the surface of the printed wiling board 1.

The etching unit 12, used for etching the lands 5 b, 6 b of the printed wiring board 1, the surfaces of which have been washed by the rinsing unit 11, includes a processing vessel 24 in which to store an liquid etchant 24 a, and a transporting unit 25 for transporting the printed wiring board 1 through the liquid etchant 24 a. The liquid etchant 24 a stored in the processing vessel 24 may, for example, be mainly composed of sulfurated water, such as PRT-01 (trade name of a product manufactured by MECK INC). The transporting unit 25 is made up of plural rolls arranged on upper and lower surface sides of the printed wiring board 1 for holding the printed wiring board 1 transported in a horizontal position. The transporting unit 25 transports the printed wiring board 1 at the same transporting speed of 3 m/min as the transporting unit 21 of the rinsing unit 11, in the direction indicated by arrow A in FIG. 2A, in order to positively remove oxides on the surfaces of the lands 5 b, 6 b by soft etching. The printed wiring board 1 is dipped e.g., for 30 seconds in the liquid etchant 24 a at 30° C. so that the lands 5 b, 6 b as part of the conductor patterns 5 a, 6 a are etched e.g., by 1.5 to 2.5 μm. The soft etching of the lands 5 b, 6 b is represented by the following reaction formula: Cu⁺+H₂O₂+H₂SO₄→CuSO₄+2H₂O.

This removes oxides affixed to the lands 5 b, 6 b formed by the conductor patterns 5 a, 6 a being exposed to outside of the solder resists 8, 8.

Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the rinsing unit 13 for washing the printed wiring board 1, having its lands 5 b, 6 b etched by the etching unit 12, includes a water washing unit 27 for washing the printed wiling board 1, having its lands 5 b, 6 b etched, and an acid washing unit 28 for acid-washing the printed wiring board 1 water-washed by the water washing unit 27. The rinsing unit 13 also includes a water washing unit 29 for water-washing the printed wiring board 1, acid-washed by the acid washing unit 28, an intermediate pressure water washing unit 30 for water-washing the printed wiring board 1 at a higher pressure than in the water washing unit 29, and an abundant water washing unit 31 for washing the printed wiring board 1 with an abundant flow of rinsing water. The rinsing unit 13 also includes a second water washing unit 32 for further water-washing the printed wiring board 1 from the abundant water washing unit 31 and an air blower unit 33 for removing the moisture affixed to the surface o the printed wiring board 1.

Referring to FIG. 2A, the water washing unit 27 for water-washing the printed wiring board 1, having the lands 5 b, 6 b etched by the etching unit 12, includes a transporting unit 35 for transporting the printed wiring board 1 in the horizontal state, and a spraying unit 36 for ejecting rinsing water. A plurality of transporting units 35 are arranged on the upper and lower surface sides of the printed wiring board 1. The transporting unit 35 transports the printed wiring board 1 in the direction indicated by arrow A in FIG. 2A at a transporting speed of, for example, 3 m/min, in order to remove the liquid etchant 24 a affixed to the surface of the printed wiring board 1 with the rinsing water ejected from the spraying unit 36. As for the spraying unit 36, three spraying units each are provided on the upper and lower surface sides of the printed wiring board 1, transferred by the transporting unit 35, in order to remove the liquid etchant 24 a affixed to both surfaces of the printed wiring board 1. These spraying units 36 spray well water at ambient temperature under a spray pressure of 0.1 MPa or higher. This enables the water washing unit 27 to free the surface of the printed wiring board 1 of the liquid etchant 24 a.

The acid washing unit 28 for acid-washing the printed wiring board 1, freed of the liquid etchant 24 a by the water washing unit 27, includes a transporting unit 38 for transporting the printed wiring board 1 in the horizontal position and a spraying unit 39 for ejecting sulfurated water. As for the transporting unit 38, a plurality of transporting units 38 are provided on the upper and lower surface sides of the printed wiring board 1 for clamping the printed wiring board 1 transported in the horizontal position. The transporting units 38 transfer the printed wiring board 1 in the direction indicated by arrow A in FIG. 2A, at a transfer speed of e.g., 3 m/min, in order to positively remove the oxides from the lands 5 b, 6 b of the printed wiring board 1. As for the spraying units 39, there are provided each four spraying units 39 on the upper and lower surface sides of the printed wiring board 1; being transferred by the transporting unit 35, for positively forming the pre-flux films 9 on the surfaces of the lands 5 b, 6 b. These spraying units 39 spray the 5% sulfuric acid sulfurated water at room temperature under a spraying pressure not lower than 0.2 MPa. This enables the acid washing unit 28 to positively remove the oxides of the lands 5 b, 6 b as part of the surface of the printed wiring board 1. That is, the oxides on the lands 5 b, 6 b are removed positively by being etched by the etching unit 12 and acid-washed by the acid washing unit 28, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

Meanwhile, the sulfurated water is used for removing oxides on the surfaces of the conductor patterns 5 a, 6 a, as described above, so that, if this sulfurated water is left in the via-hole 7 of the printed wiring board 1, there is a risk that the plating layer 7 a formed in the via-hole 7 be oxidized and ruptured. So, the rinsing unit 13 is designed so that, before forming the pre-flux film 9, the sulfurated water will be removed positively by the water washing unit 29, intermediate pressure water washing unit 30, abundant water washing unit 31 and the water washing unit 32.

The water washing unit 29 for water-washing the printed wiring board 1 washed with acid by the acid washing unit 28 includes a transporting unit 41 for transferring the printed wiring board 1 in the horizontal state, and a spraying unit 42 for spraying the rinsing water. As for the transporting unit 41, plural transporting units 41 are provided on the upper and lower surface sides of the printed wiring board 1. The transporting unit 41 transfers the printed wiring board 1 at e.g., a transfer speed of 3 m/min in the direction indicated by arrow A in FIG. 2A for positively rinsing the printed wiring board 1. Since the pre-flux films 9 are formed on the lands 5 b, 6 b provided on both sides of the printed wiring board 1, two each of the spraying units 42 are provided on the upper and lower surface sides of the printed wiring board 1 transferred by the transporting unit 41. These spraying units 43 spray pure water at 35° C. under a condition of the spraying pressure not less than 0.1 MPa. The pure water at 35° C. is used for improving the water washing effect. If the water temperature is not lower than 35° C., the surfaces of the conductor patterns 5 a, 6 a tend to be oxidized. So, for washing the printed wiring board 1 until formation of the pre-flux film 9, that is washing by the intermediate pressure water washing unit 30, abundant water washing unit 31 and the water washing unit 32, pure water at 35° C. is used. Thus, the water washing unit 29 removes the sulfurated water from the surface of the printed wiring board 1.

The intermediate pressure water washing unit 30 for farther washing the printed wiring board 1 rinsed with water by the water washing unit 29 includes a transporting unit 44 for transferring the printed wiring board 1 in the horizontal position and a spraying unit 45 for ejecting rinsing water. As for the transporting unit 44, plural transporting units 44 are provided on the upper and lower surface sides of the printed wiring board 1 for holding the printed wiling board 1 transferred in the horizontal position. The transporting unit 44 transfer the printed wiring board 1 at e.g., a transfer speed of 3 m/min in the direction indicated by arrow A in FIG. 2B to enable the sulfurated water to be rinsed off from the printed wiring board 1. For rinsing the sulfurated water off from the printed wiring board 1, four spraying units 45 are provided on the upper and lower sides of the printed wiring board 1 transferred by the transporting unit 44. The spraying units 45 spray pure water at 35° C. at a pressure higher than that used for the water washing unit 29, for example, at a spraying pressure not lower than 0.5 MPa. This allows the intermediate pressure water washing unit 30 to remove sulfurated water from the surface of the printed wiring board 1.

The abundant water washing unit 31 for further washing the printed wiring board 1, water-washed by the intermediate pressure water washing unit 30, includes a transporting unit 47 for transferring the printed wiring board 1 in the horizontal state and a spraying unit 48 for ejecting rinsing water. A plurality of transporting units 47 are provided on the upper and lower sides of the printed wiring board 1 transferred by the transporting unit 44. The transporting unit 47 transfers the printed wiring board 1 in the direction indicated by arrow A in FIG. 2B, at a transfer rate of e.g., 3 m/min, to enable the rinsing of the printed wiring board 1. Two each of the spraying units 48 are provided on the upper and lower sides of the printed wiring board 1 transferred by the transporting unit 47, in order to positively rinse sulfurated water off from both sides of the printed wiring board 1. These spraying units 45 spray pure water at 35° C. with a higher water flow rate than the spraying unit 42 of the water washing unit 29, for example, at a water flow rate not less than 5 liters/cm². This allows the abundant water washing unit 31 to rinse the sulfurated water off from the surface of the printed wiring board 1.

The water washing unit 32 for further washing the printed wiring board 1 water-washed by the abundant water washing unit 31 includes a transporting unit 50 for transferring the printed wiring board 1 in the horizontal position, and a spraying unit 51 for ejecting the rinsing water. A plurality of the transporting units 50 are provided on the upper and lower sides of the printed wiring board 1 for holding the printed wiring board 1 transferred in the horizontal position. Two each of the spraying units 51 are provided on the upper and lower sides of the printed wiring board 1, transferred by the transporting unit 50, in order to positively rinse sulfurated water off from both sides of the printed wiring board 1. These spraying units 51 spray fresh water at a spray pressure not lower than 0.1 MPa. This allows the water washing unit 29 to remove sulfurated water off from the surface of the printed wiring board 1. Here, new pure water, that is fresh water, is used as rinsing water. Thus, the water washing unit 32 is able to prevent the processing liquid affixed to the printed wiling board 1, that is sulfurated water, from being carried to the next step.

The air blower unit 33 for removing water affixed to the surface of the printed wiring board 1, washed with water by the water washing unit 32, includes a transporting unit 53 for transferring the printed wiling board 1 in the horizontal position, and an air ejection unit 54 for ejecting air to the upper and lower sides of the printed wiring board 1. A plurality of the transporting units 53 are provided on the upper and lower sides of the printed wiring board 1 for holding the printed wiring board 1 transferred in the horizontal position. The transporting unit 53 transfers the printed wiring board 1 at a transfer rate e.g., of 3 m/min in the direction indicated by arrow A in FIG. 2B in order to positively remove the moisture affixed to the the upper and lower sides of the printed wiring board 1. The air ejection unit 54 is provided on each of the upper and lower sides of the printed wiling board 1 to eject air to the upper and lower sides of the printed wiring board 1 transferred by the transporting unit 53 to remove the moisture affixed to the printed wiring board 1. The air blower unit 33 is able to remove the moisture positively from the the upper and lower sides of the printed wiring board 1 prior to formation of the pre-flux film 9.

The printed wiring board 1, positively freed of surface oxides from the lands 5 b, 6 b by the etching unit 12 and the acid washing unit 28, is washed with water in four stages of different conditions using the water washing unit 29, intermediate pressure water washing mechanism 30, abundant water washing unit 31 and the second water washing unit 32, so that sulfurated water remaining on the surface and especially in the via-hole 7 may be removed reliably. Moreover, the intermediate pressure water washing unit 30 ejects pure water on the upper and lower sides of the printed wiring board 1 under a pressure higher than in the ordinary water washing unit 27 or 29, while the abundant water washing unit 31 ejects pure water at a water flow rate higher than in the ordinary water washing unit 27 or 29, so that sulfurated water can be removed reliably from the printed wiring board 1. In addition, in the rinsing with pure water, pure water at the water temperature of 35° C. is used to improve the water washing effect, while it is possible to prevent oxidation of the surface of the lands 5 b, 6 b. Thus, with the printed wiring board 1, it is possible to prevent sulfurated water from being left on the lands 5 b, 6 b. to prevent the lands 5 b, 6 b from being oxidized and roughed, while it is also possible to prevent the plating layer 7 a provided in the via-hole 7 from being oxidized and ruptured.

For forming the pre-flux film 9 on the lands 5 b, 6 b of the printed wiring board 1, freed of surface water by the air blower unit 33, the printed wiring board 1 is immersed in the pre-flux liquid 9 a stored in a processing vessel 56, as shown in FIG. 2C. The printed wiring board 1 is transferred to the bubble removing unit 14 and to the pre-flux forming unit 15.

This bubble removing unit 14 removes air bubbles 58 generated on the surface of the printed wiring board 1 when the printed wiring board 1 is immersed in the pre-flux liquid 9 a of the processing vessel 56, and includes a processing vessel 56 in which to store the pre-flux liquid 9 a and a bubble removing roll 57 operating as a unit for transferring the printed wiring board 1 in the horizontal position through the pre-flux liquid 9 a and also for removing air bubbles 58 generated on the surface of the printed wiring board 1 when the printed wiring board is immersed in the pre-flux liquid 9 a. The pre-flux liquid 9 a, stored in the processing vessel 56, is the water-soluble type pre-flux mainly composed of acetic acid and imidazole, such as a pre-flux manufactured by SHIKOKU KASEI CO. LTD. under the trade name of TERFACE F2.

A plurality of bubble removing rolls 57 are provided on the upper and lower sides of the printed wiring board 1 for holding the printed wiring board 1 transferred in the horizontal position. The bubble removing roll 57 transfers the printed wiring board 1 in the direction indicated by arrow A in FIG. 2C at the same transfer speed of 3 m/min as that of the other transporting units 21, 25, 38, 41, 44, 47, 50 and 53. These bubble removing rolls 57 are formed like sponge rolls from e.g., chlorosulfonated polyethylene. The bubble removing roll 57, contacting the printed wiring board 1, is run in rotation to remove air bubbles affixed to the surface of the printed wiring board 1 and is able to form the pre-flux film 9 to a uniform thickness on the lands 5 b, 6 b at the next step.

The pre-flux forming unit 15 for forming the pre-flux film 9 on the lands 5 b, 6 b of the printed wiring board 1, immersed in the pre-flux liquid 9 a and freed of surface air bubbles 58 by the bubble removing unit 14, includes a processing vessel 56 in which to store the pre-flux liquid 9 a, a transporting unit 60 for transferring the printed wiring board 1 transferred in the horizontal position through the pre-flux liquid 9 a and an in-liquid spraying unit 61 for spraying the pre-flux liquid 9 a, as shown in FIG. 2C.

The transporting unit 60 is made up of plural rolls arranged on the upper and lower sides of the printed wiring board 1 for holding the printed wiring board 1 transferred in the horizontal position. The rolls provided the upper and lower sides of the printed wiring board 1 are arranged with a gap C larger than the thickness t of the printed wiring board 1, in-between, and are designed such that the roll pressure applied to the printed wiring board 1 is decreased and such that no roll marks will be left on the pre-flux film 9 during its formation to enable the pre-flux film 9 to be formed to a uniform thickness. For example, the gap C is set to 0.5 mm or less, preferably to 2 mm. The transporting unit 60 transfers the printed wiring board 1 in the direction indicated by arrow A in FIG. 2C, at a transfer rate e.g., of 3 m/min, as the printed wiring board 1 is immersed in the water-soluble type pre-flux liquid 9 a. The printed wiring board 1 is immersed for e.g., 120 seconds in the water-soluble type pre-flux liquid 9 a in the processing vessel 56.

For forming the pre-flux film 9 of a uniform film thickness on each of the surfaces of the printed wiring board 1, 10 each of in-liquid spraying units 61 are provided on the upper and lower sides of the printed wiring board 1 transferred by the transporting unit 60. These in-liquid spraying units 61 are comprised of flat nozzles and are of the radiating angle of approximately 90° to permit the water-soluble pre-flux liquid 9 a to be ejected over a wide range. These in-liquid spraying units 61 spray the water-soluble pre-flux liquid 9 a of 35° C. onto the the upper and lower sides of the printed wiring board 1 under a spraying pressure not less than 0.1 MPa. Since the pre-flux liquid 9 a is ejected onto the printed wiring board 1 by the in-liquid spraying units 61 in the pre-flux liquid 9 a, the pre-flux film 9 of a uniform film thickness of 0.2 to 0.3 μm is formed on the lands 5 b, 6 b. The pre-flux film 9, formed on the lands 5 b, 6 b formed by copper foils, is mainly composed of an imidazole compound, and is formed in accordance with the chemical formula 1:

In the previous process, the lands 5 b, 6 b are soft-etched by the etching unit 12 and further acid-washed by the acid washing unit 28 to remove the surface oxides and to rinse sulfurated water off positively and hence are of flat surfaces. Thus, the pre-flux film 9 adheres to the lands 5 b, 6 b intimately and is moreover of a flat surface. So, the pre-flux form 9 adherers positively to the lands 5 b, 6 b and is superior in solder wetting properties.

When the pre-flux film 9 has been formed by the lands.5b, 6 b by the pre-flux forming unit 15, the printed wiring board 1 is taken out from the processing vessel 56. The printed wiring board 1, taken out from the processing vessel 56, is transferred to the liquid removing unit 16 to remove the liquid attached to its surface. This liquid removing unit 16 serves as a transfer unit for transferring the printed wiring board 1 taken out from the processing vessel 56 in the horizontal position, and includes upper and lower liquid removing rolls 62 for removing the liquid attached to its surface, and a lower saucer 63 arranged below the lower liquid removing roll 62, as shown in FIGS. 2C and 3.

A plurality of the liquid removing rolls 62 are provided on the upper and lower sides of the printed wiring board 1 for holding the printed wiring board 1 transferred in the horizontal position. The liquid removing rolls 62 transfer the printed wiring board 1 in the direction indicated by arrow A in FIGS. 2C and 3 at the same transfer rate e.g., of 31 m/min as that of the other transporting units 21, 25, 38, 41, 44, 47, 50, 53, 57 and 60. The liquid removing rolls 62 are formed as water-absorbent sponge rolls from e.g., chlorosulfonated polyethylene and is designed to apply its own gravity to the printed wiring board 1.

On the lower side of the printed wiring board 1, transferred by the liquid removing rolls 62, there is provided the lower saucer 63 of e.g., vinyl chloride for holding substantially the lower half of the liquid removing rolls 62. Within this lower saucer 63, which is a storage part for the pre-flux liquid 9 a, the water-soluble pre-flux liquid 9 a is circulated at a rate of 5 to 10 liters/min. This permits the liquid removing rolls 62 to be immersed at all times in the new water-soluble pre-flux liquid 9 a to prevent the liquid immersing the liquid removing rolls 62 from being oxidized to exfoliate the pre-flux liquid 9 a.

The aforementioned liquid removing unit 16 is able to form the surface of the pre-flux film 9 to a flat shape by the sponge-like liquid removing rolls 62 removing the excess pre-flux liquid 9 a affixed to the surface of the printed wiring board 1 when the printed wiring board 1 is taken out of the processing vessel 56. In particular, the lower liquid removing roll 62 is sponge-like and is partially covered by the lower saucer 63 in which is circulated the pre-flux liquid 9 a. So, the liquid component, in which is immersed the liquid removing rolls 62, may be prevented from being oxidized to prevent exfoliation of the pre-flux film 9.

The rinsing unit 17 for rinsing the printed wiring board 1, freed of the surface pre-flux liquid 9 a by the liquid removing unit 16 and for rinsing the printed wiring board 1 carrying the pre-flux film 9, includes a water washing unit 66 for washing the printed wiring board 1 carrying the pre-flux film 9, a water washing unit 67 for further water-washing the printed wiring board 1 washed with water by the water washing unit 66, and an air blower unit 68 for removing the moisture affixed to the surface of the printed wiring board 1, as shown in FIG. 2D.

The rinsing unit 66 for washing the printed wiring board 1, carrying the pre-flux film 9, includes a transporting unit 71 for transferring the printed wiring board 1 transferred in the horizontal position, and a spraying unit 72 for ejecting the rinsing water, as shown in FIG. 2D. A plurality of the transporting unit 71 are arranged on the upper and lower sides of the printed wiring board 1 for holding the printed wiring board 1 transferred in the horizontal position. The transporting unit 71 transfers the printed wiring board 1 at a transfer rate e.g., of 3 m/min in the direction indicated by arrow A in FIG. 2D for removing unneeded pre-flux liquid 9 a affixed to the surface of the printed wiring board 1 and which has not been removed by the liquid removing unit 16. Three of the spraying units 72 are provided on the upper and lower sides of the printed wiring board 1, transferred by the transporting unit 71, for removing the pre-flux liquid 9 a affixed to the surface of the printed wiring board 1. These spraying units 72 spray new water, that is fresh pure water, at ambient temperature, under a spraying pressure not less than 0.1 MPa. This permits the water washing unit 66 to remove the pre-flux liquid 9 a from the surface of the printed wiring board 1. On the other hand, by using fresh water, the pre-flux liquid 9 a may be prevented from being carried to the next process step.

The second water washing unit 67 for further water-washing the printed wiring board 1, water-washed by the water washing unit 66, includes a transporting unit 74 for transferring the printed wiring board 1 transferred in the horizontal position and a spraying unit 75 for ejecting the rinsing water. A plurality of the transporting unit 74 are provided on the upper and lower sides of the printed wiring board 1 for holding the printed wiring board 1 transferred in the horizontal position. The transporting unit 74 transfers the printed wiring board 1 at a transfer rate e.g., of 3 m/min in the direction indicated by arrow A in FIG. 2D for removing unneeded pre-flux liquid 9 a affixed to the surface of the printed wiring board 1 and which has not been removed by the liquid removing unit 66. Two each of the spraying units 75 are provided on the upper and lower sides of the printed wiring board 1, transferred by the transporting unit 74, for removing the pre-flux liquid 9 a affixed to the surface of the printed wiring board 1. These spraying units 72 spray new water at ambient temperature, under a spraying pressure not less than 0.1 MPa, that is, the water washing unit 67 uses the new rinsing water, that is fresh water, without using the rinsing water used in the water washing unit 66, for preventing the processing liquid, that is the pre-flux liquid 9 a, from being carried into the water washing unit 67 to make the rinsing water acidic to peel off the pre-flux film 9. This permits the water washing unit 67 to remove the pre-flux liquid 9 a positively from the surface of the printed wiring board 1.

The air blower unit 68 for removing the moisture affixed to the surface of the printed wiring board 1, washed with water by the water washing unit 67, includes a transporting mechanism 77 for transferring the printed wiring board 1 in the horizontal position, and air blowers 78 for ejecting air onto the upper and lower sides of the printed wiring board 1. A plurality of the transporting units 77 are provided on the upper and lower sides of the printed wiring board 1 for holding the printed wiring board 1 transferred in the horizontal position. The transporting unit 77 transfers the printed wiring board 1 in the direction indicated by arrow A in FIG. 2D at a transfer rate e.g., of 3 m/min in order to positively remove the moisture affixed to the printed wiring board 1. The air blowers 78 are provided on the upper and lower sides of the printed wiring board 1 for positively ejecting air onto the upper and lower sides of the printed wiring board 1 of the printed wiring board 1 transferred by the transporting unit 77. The air blower unit 68 is able to remove the moisture positively from the upper and lower sides of the printed wiring board 1 carrying the pre-flux film 9.

The drier unit 18 for drying the printed wiring board 1, completely freed of the unneeded pre-flux liquid by water washing, includes a transporting unit 81 for transferring the printed wiring board 1 in the horizontal position and a heater 82 for heating the the upper and lower sides of the printed wiring board 1. A plurality of the transporting units 81 are provided on the upper and lower sides of the printed wiring board 1. The transporting unit 81 transfers the printed wiring board 1 in the direction indicated by arrow A in FIG. 2D at a transfer rate e.g., of 3 m/min for positively removing the moisture affixed to the printed wiring board 1. The heater 82 heats the inside of a processing chamber to approximately 150° C. The printed wiring board 1, transferred by the transporting unit 81, is positively dried by heating for approximately 30 seconds.

The cooling unit 19 for cooling the printed wiring board 1 from the drying unit 18 includes a transporting unit 84 for transferring the printed wiring board 1 in the horizontal position. A plurality of transporting units 84 are mounted on the upper and lower sides of the printed wiring board 1 for holding the printed wiring board 1 transferred in the horizontal position. The transporting unit 84 cools the printed wiring board 1 at ambient temperature for approximately 20 seconds at a transfer rate e.g., of 3 m/min.

The method for forming the pre-flux film 9 on the lands 5 b, 6 b using the surface-processing device 10 constructed as described above is now explained by referring to FIGS. 2A to 2D.

First, at step S1, the printed wiring board 1, coated with the solder resists 8, 8 and tested for current conduction, is transferred by a transporting unit, not shown, to the rinsing unit 11. The printed wiring board 1 is transferred by a transporting unit 21 at a transfer rate e.g., of 3 m/min and rinsed as the well water at ambient temperature is sprayed thereon under a spraying pressure not less than 0.1 MPa by each two spraying units 22 provided on the upper and lower sides of the printed wiring board 1. This removes foreign matter, such as dust and dirt, deposited on the surface of the printed wiring board 1 prior to formation of the pre-flux film 9. The printed wiring board 1 thus rinsed is transferred from the transporting unit 21 to the transporting unit 25 of the etching unit 12.

Meanwhile, the lands 5 b, 6 b present irregularities due to surface oxidation, as shown in FIG. 5. If the pre-flux film 9 is formed on the lands 5 b, 6 b in a state shown in FIG. 5, the pre-flux film 9 is inferior in adhesion to the lands 5 b, 6 b. Moreover, the irregularities on the lands 5 b, 6 b affect the pre-flux film 9 such that the surface of the pre-flux film 9 is also indented to worsen solder wettability. So, the lands 5 b, 6 b are planarized by acid-washing their surfaces by soft etching to remove surface irregularities, that is oxides.

That is, the lands 5 b, 6 b of the printed wiring board 1, having their surfaces washed, are soft-etched at step S2 by the etching unit 12. Specifically, the printed wiring board 1 is transferred at a transfer rate e.g., of 3 m/min through the liquid etchant 24 a in the processing vessel 24, mainly composed of sulfurated water, whereby the copper foils making up the lands 5 b, 6 b are etched by 1.5 to 2.5 μm in 30 seconds. This removes the oxides affixed to the lands 5 b, 6 b. The printed wiring board 1, the lands 5 b, 6 b of which have been soft-etched is transferred from the transporting unit 25 to a transporting unit 35 of the water washing unit 27.

The printed wiring board 1, the lands 5 b, 6 b of which have been etched by the etching unit 12, is freed at step S3 of the liquid etchant 24 a affixed to the entire surface of the printed wiring board 1 by the water washing unit 27. That is, as the printed wiring board 1 is transferred by the transporting unit 35 at a transfer rate e.g., of 3 m/min, well water at ambient temperature is sprayed under a spraying pressure not less than 0.1 MPa by each three spraying units 36 provided the upper and lower sides of the printed wiring board 1, whereby the excess liquid etchant 24 a affixed to the surface of the printed wiring board 1 is removed. The printed wiring board 1, rinsed by the water washing unit 27, is transferred from the transporting unit 35 to a transporting unit 38 of the acid washing unit 28.

The printed wiring board 1 freed of the liquid etchant 24 a by water washing by the water washing unit 27, is freed at step S4 of oxides on the lands 5 b, 6 b by the acid washing unit 28. Specifically, as the printed wiring board 1 is transferred at a transfer rate e.g., of 3 m/min in by the transporting unit 38, 5% sulfuric acid sulfurated water at ambient temperature is sprayed on the upper and lower sides of the printed wiring board 1 under a spraying pressure not less than 0.2 MPa by each four spraying units 39 provided on the upper and lower sides of the printed wiring board 1, whereby the oxides of the lands 5 b, 6 b may be removed positively.

That is, the surfaces of the lands 5 b, 6 b are soft-etched at step S2 by the etching unit 12 and acid-washed at step S4 by the acid washing unit 28. That is, the two-stage oxide removing process positively removes the oxides to planarize the surface of the lands 5 b, 6 b. This improves adhesion of the pre-flux film 9 to the lands 5 b, 6 b, while also improving solder wettability.

Meanwhile, the sulfurated water is used for removing surface oxides on the lands 5 b, 6 b, as described above, so that, if this sulfurated water is left in the via-hole 7 of the printed wiring board 1, the plating layer 7 a provided in the via-hole 7 tends to be oxidized and ruptured. So, at step S5, the printed wiring board 1, the lands 5 b, 6 b of which have been acid-washed by the acid washing unit 28 and which has been transferred by the transporting unit 38, is water-washed by the water washing unit 38. That is, as the printed wiring board 1 is transferred at a transfer rate e.g., of 3 m/min by the transporting unit 41, pure water at 35° C. is ejected under a spraying pressure not less than 0.1 MPa by each two spraying units 42 provided on the upper and lower sides of the printed wiring board 1. This rinses sulfurated water off from the printed wiring board 1. The printed wiring board 1, washed with water by the water washing unit 29, is transferred from the transporting unit 38 to a transporting unit 44 of the intermediate pressure water washing unit 30.

The printed wiring board 1, water-washed at step S6 by the water washing unit 29, is water-washed at a high ejection pressure by the spraying units 42 of the water washing unit 29 of the intermediate pressure water washing unit 30. Specifically, the printed wiring board 1 is transferred by the transporting unit 44 at a transfer rate e.g., of 3 m/min and has its upper and lower surfaces sprayed with pure water at 35° C. under a spraying pressure not less than 0.5 MPa by each four spraying units 45 provided on the upper and lower sides of the printed wiring board 1. This rinses the sulfurated water off from the printed wiring board 1. The printed wiring board, washed with water by the intermediate pressure water washing unit 30, is transferred from the transporting unit 44 to the transporting unit 47 of the abundant water washing Unit 31.

The printed wiring board 1, washed with water by the intermediate pressure water washing mechanism 30, is washed at step S7 with an abundant flow of water by the spraying units 42 of the water washing unit 29 of the abundant water washing unit 31. Specifically, the printed wiring board 1 is transferred by the transporting unit 47 at a transfer rate e.g., of 3 m/min and sprayed with 35° C. pure water at a flow rate not less than 5 lit/cm² by each two spraying units provided on the upper and lower sides of the printed wiring board 1. This rinses sulfurated water off from the printed wiring board 1. The printed wiring board 1, washed with water by the abundant water washing unit 31, is transferred from the transporting unit 47 to the transporting unit 50 of the abundant water washing unit 32.

Att the next step S8, the printed wiring board 1, washed with water by the abundant water washing unit 31, is washed with new water by the water washing unit 32. That is, as the printed wiring board 1 is transferred by the transporting unit 50 at a transfer rate e.g., of 3 m/min, it is sprayed with fresh water at 35° C. under a spraying pressure not less than 0.1 MPa by each two spraying units 51 provided the upper and lower sides of the printed wiring board 1. This completely rises sulfurated water off from the printed wiring board 1. Here, new pure water, that is fresh water, is used as the rinsing water, to prevent the processing liquid, that is sulfurated water, affixed to the printed wiring board 1, from being carried to the following process step. The printed wiring board 1, washed with water by the water washing unit 32, is transported from the transporting unit 50 to the transporting unit 53 of the air blower unit 33.

The printed wiring board 1, washed with fresh water by the water washing unit 32, is freed at step S9 of water affixed to its surface by the air blower unit 33. Specifically, as the printed wiring board 1 is transferred by the transporting unit 53 at a transfer rate e.g., of 3 m/min, air is ejected from an air blower 54 onto the upper and lower sides of the printed wiring board 1 to remove the moisture positively from the upper and lower sides of the printed wiring board 1 immediately before formation of the pre-flux film 9.

By the four stages of water washing under different conditions employing the water washing unit 29, intermediate pressure water washing unit 30, abundant water washing unit 31 and the second water washing unit 32 at steps S5 to S8, the sulfurated water left on the surface of the printed wiring board 1, especially in the via-hole 7, may be removed positively. Moreover, in the rinsing at the steps S5 to S8 employing pure water at 35° C., the water-washing effect may be improved, whilst surface oxidation of the lands 5 b, 6 b may be prevented from occurring. By using fresh water as the rinsing water at step S8, the processing liquid affixed to the printed wiring board 1, that is sulfurated water, may be prevented from being transferred to the next step.

Thus, with the printed wiring board 1, it is possible to prevent the lands 5 b, 6 b, planarized by soft etching at step S2 and acid washing at step S4, from being oxidized and being again hardened in its surface by the sulfurated water left on the lands 5 b, 6 b. Moreover, with the printed wiring board 1, it is possible to prevent the plating layer 7 a in the via-hole 7 from berring oxidized and ruptured. On the lands 5 b, 6 b, thus planarized, there is then formed the pre-flux film 9.

That is, the printed wiring board 1, freed of redundant water by the air blower unit 33, is transported from the transporting unit 53 of the air blower unit 33 to a transporting unit, comprised of the bubble removing rolls 57 of the bubble removing unit 14, so as to be immersed in the pre-flux liquid 9 a stored in the processing vessel 56. At this time, air bubbles 58 are generated on the surface of the printed wiring board 1. If the pre-flux film 9 is formed as the air bubbles 58 are generated in this manner, the pre-flux film 9 cannot be formed to a uniform film thickness. So, the printed wiring board 1, on the surface of which are attached the air bubbles 58, is transferred at a transfer rate e.g., of 3 m/min by the bubble removing rolls 57 provided on the upper and lower sides of the printed wiring board 1 for removing the air bubbles 58. The printed wiring board 1, freed of the air bubbles 58 on immersion in the pre-flux liquid 9 a in the processing vessel 56, is transferred from the transporting unit comprised of the bubble removing rolls 57 to the transporting unit 60 of the pre-flux forming unit 15.

On the lands 5 b, 6 b of the printed wiring board 1, from the surface of which the air bubbles 58 have been removed, the pre-flux film 9 is formed at step S11 by the pre-flux forming unit 15. Specifically, as the printed wiring board 1 is transferred by the transporting unit 60 at a transfer rate e.g., of 3 m/min through the water-soluble pre-flux liquid 9 a in the processing vessel 56, mainly composed of acetic acid and imidazole on the surface of the printed wiring board 1 in the pre-flux liquid 9 a, the water-soluble pre-flux liquid at 35° C. is sprayed under a spraying pressure not less than 0.1 MPa by each ten in-liquid spraying units 61 provided on the upper and lower sides of the printed wiring board 1. This forms the pre-flux film 9, mainly composed of the imidazole compound, to a uniform film thickness of 0.2 to 0.3 μm, on the lands 5 b, 6 b. Since these lands 5 b, 6 b are formed to flat surfaces by soft etching at step S2 and by acid washing at step S4, as previous steps, as shown in FIG. 7, the pre-flux film 9 is intimately affixed to the lands 5 b, 6 b and formed to a planar surface. This enables the pre-flux film 9 to be generated with high adhesion properties with respect to the lands 5 b, 6 b and excellent solder wettability. The upper and lower paired rolls, making up the transporting unit 60, are arranged at the intervals larger than the thickness of the printed wiring board 1. So, the roll pressure applied to the surface of the printed wiring board 1 is reduced to prevent roll marks from being left on the surface of the pre-flux film 9 being formed to rough the surface. The printed wiring board 1, now carrying the pre-flux film 9 on its lands 5 b, 6 b, is transferred from the transporting unit 60 to the liquid removing unit 16. Meanwhile, the printed wiring board 1 is immersed for 120 seconds in the pre-flux liquid 9 a in the processing vessel 56.

At step S12, the printed wiring board 1, now carrying the pre-flux film 9, is taken out from the processing vessel 56, and transferred to the liquid removing rolls 62 making up the liquid removing unit 16 for removing the redundant portion of the pre-flux liquid 9 a. That is, the printed wiring board 1, carrying the pre-flux liquid 9 a, is passed through the sponge-like liquid removing rolls 62 so as to be thereby freed of the unneeded portion of the pre-flux liquid 9 a. The lower liquid removing roll 62 below the printed wiring board 1 is partially hidden in the lower saucer 63 in which is circulated the pre-flux liquid 9 a. So, the fresh pre-flux liquid 9 a is circulated at all times in the lower saucer 63 to prevent the liquid, component immersing the liquid removing roll 62 from being oxidized to cause peeling of the pre-flux film 9. The printed wiring board 1 freed of the surface pre-flux liquid 9 a, is transferred to a transporting unit 71 of the water washing unit 66 from the liquid removing rolls 62 also operating as transporting means.

The printed wiring board 1, freed of the surface pre-flux liquid 9 a by the liquid removing unit 16, is freed at step S13 of the redundant portion of the pre-flux liquid 9 a affixed to its surface by the water washing unit 66. Specifically, as the printed wiring board 1 is transferred by the transporting unit 71 at a transfer rate e.g., of 3 m/min, it is sprayed with new water at ambient temperature, that is new fresh water, under a spraying pressure not less than 0.1 MPa, by each three spraying units 71 provided on the the upper and lower sides of the printed wiring board 1. This rinses the pre-flux liquid off from the printed wiring board 1. By using fresh water for water washing in this step, the pre-flux liquid 9 a is prevented from being transferred to the next step. The printed wiring board 1, washed with water by the water washing unit 66, is transported from the transporting unit 71 to the transporting unit 74 of the water washing unit 67.

The printed wiring board 1, washed with water at step S14 by the water washing unit 66, is freed of excess pre-flux liquid 9 a, affixed to its surface, by the water washing unit 67. Specifically, as the printed wiring board. 1 is transferred by the transporting unit 74 at a transfer rate e.g., of 3 m/min, it is sprayed with new water at ambient temperature, that is new fresh water, under a spraying pressure not less than 0.1 MPa, by each two spraying units 71 provided on the the upper and lower sides of the printed wiring board 1. This completely rinses the pre-flux liquid off from the printed wiring board 1. By using fresh water for water washing in this step, the pre-flux liquid 9 a is prevented from being transferred to the next step. The printed wiring board 1, washed with water by the water washing unit 66, is transported from the transporting unit 74 to the transporting unit 77 of the air blower unit 68.

The printed wiring board 1, now carrying the pre-flux film 9, is washed with water in two stages by the water washing units 66, 67, whereby the excess pre-flux liquid 9 a affixed to its surface can be removed positively. By using fresh water as rinsing water at the time of removing the excess pre-flux liquid 9 a attached to the printed wiring board 1 at steps S12 and S13, the pre-flux liquid 9 a may be prevented from being transferred to the next step.

The printed wiring board 1, washed with new water by the water washing unit 67, is freed of the moisture affixed to its surface by the air blower unit 68. Specifically, as the printed wiring board 1 is transferred by the transporting unit 77 at a transfer rate e.g., of 3 m/min, air is ejected by the air blowers 78 onto the upper and lower sides of the printed wiring board 1 to remove the moisture positively from the upper and lower sides of the printed wiring board 1.

The printed wiring board 1, freed of the excess moisture by the air blower unit 68, is dried at step S16 by the drier unit 18. That is, as the printed wiring board 1 is transferred by the transporting unit 84 at a transfer rate e.g., of 3 m/min; it is cooled at ambient temperature for approximately 20 seconds at ambient temperature.

At step S17, the printed wiring board 1 from the drying unit 18 is cooled by a cooling unit 19. That is, the present printed wiring board 1 is transferred by the transporting mechanism 84 at a transfer rate e.g., of 3 m/min and cooled at ambient temperature for approximately 20 seconds.

In the above-described surface-processing method and apparatus 10 for forming the water-soluble pre-flux film 9 on the lands 5 b, 6 b, the lands 5 b, 6 b are soft-etched by the etching unit 12 at step S2 and substantially acid-washed by the acid washing unit 28, by way of performing two-stage oxide removing step, where by the oxides may be positively removed and the lands 5 b, 6 b are processed to a planar surface, as shown in FIG. 6. By the four stages of water washing at steps S5 to S8 under different conditions employing the water washing unit 29, intermediate pressure water washing unit 30, abundant water washing unit 31 and the second water washing unit 32, the sulfurated water left on the surface of the printed wiring board 1, especially in the via-hole 7, may be removed positively.

So, with the printed wiring board 1, it is possible to prevent the lands 5 b, 6 b, planarized by soft etching at step S2 and acid washing at step S4, from being oxidized and being again roughed in its surface by the sulfurated water left on the lands 5 b, 6 b. Moreover, with the printed wiring board 1, it is possible to prevent the plating layer 7 a in the via-hole 7 from being oxidized and ruptured. By forming the pre-flux film 9 on the lands 5 b, 6 b, processed to planar surfaces, as shown in FIG. 6, it is possible to form the pre-flux film 9 having improved adhesion to the lands 5 b, 6 b, while it is possible to planarize the surface of the pre-flux film 9 to improve its solder wettability.

Although the foregoing description is made of a multi-layered printed wiring board, having the lands 5 b, 6 b formed on its upper and lower sides, the present invention may also be applied to the forming of the pre-flux film 9 on a land of a printed wiring board carrying an electrically conductive layer on only one surface thereof. 

1.-16. (canceled)
 17. A method of forming a protective film on a multilayer printed wiring board comprising the steps of: immersing the printed wiring board in a first water-soluble pre-flux liquid so that air bubbles affixed to the surface of the printed wiring board are removed; and spraying a pre-flux film on a conductor pattern of an outer layer of said printed wiring board immersed in the pre-flux liquid; removing the pre-flux liquid from the surface of said printed wiring board; and rinsing the surface of said printed wiring board of which said pre-flux liquid has been removed by said liquid removing step.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein prior to the immersing step, the outer layer of said printed wiring board is etched and rinsed so that said conductor pattern is formed on at least one outer layer and rinsed, and wherein said etched outer layer of the printed wiring board is rinsed with acid, rinsed with water under at greater than 0.5 MPa/cm2, and rinsed with water at a rate greater than 5 lit/cm2 min.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein the step of spraying said pre-flux film further comprises: transferring said printed wiring board using upper and lower paired rolls, wherein said paired rolls are spaced at a distance that is larger than the thickness of the printed wiring board.
 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the step of removing the pre-flux liquid further comprises: circulating a second water soluble pre-flux liquid at a rate of 5 to 10 liters/min.
 21. The method of claim 17, further comprising: blowing air onto the outer layer of said printed wiring board so that moisture is removed.
 22. The method of claim 17, wherein said pre-flux film includes an imidazole compound and is formed to a thickness of 0.2 to 0.3 μm on said conductor pattern.
 23. The method of claim 17, wherein the step of spraying the pre-flux liquid further comprises: transferring the printed wiring board at a rate of 3 m/min; and spraying the water-soluble pre-flux liquid at a pressure greater than 0.1 MPa.
 24. The method of claim 17, wherein the printed wiring board is immersed in the pre-flux liquid for 120 seconds.
 25. The method of claim 21, further comprising the steps of: drying the printed wiring board using heated air at a predetermined temperature; and cooling the dried printed wiring board at an ambient temperature for a predetermined time.
 26. A method of forming a protective film on a multilayer printed wiring board comprising the steps of: immersing the printed wiring board in a first water-soluble pre-flux liquid to free air bubbles affixed to the surface of the printed wiring board; forming a pre-flux film on said conductor pattern of said outer layer of said printed wiring board in the pre-flux liquid, freed of air bubbles, using an in-liquid spray provided in said pre-flux liquid in said processing vessel; removing the pre-flux liquid from the surface of said printed wiring board; and rinsing the surface of said printed wiring board of which said pre-flux liquid has been removed. 